Guy needs a pitman arm for a 66. Parts book has 2 different ones with power steering. Thompson and Saginaw. I’ve got a parts car that I can pull from but don’t know how to tell. Any ideas?

 

The difference is in the center link, not the steering box. The diameter of the tapered studs on the center link are different, so the idler and pitman arms must match the center link. I guess the bigger question is why he thinks he needs a pitman arm. There are no wear parts on the pitman and thus they are not readily available.

 

Thanks Joe. Not sure but he said his mechanic said he needs one.

 

Unless the pitman arm is damaged from accident or the improper installation of the center link, there's no way for it to need to be replaced. I suggest you tell him to ask his mechanic exactly what is wrong with it and why it needs to be replaced. I've seen someone try to force the wrong center link into the pitman, which can damage the tapered hole, but that should be obvious. Does the mechanic even understand the differences between the Thompson and Saginaw parts? I'm guessing not.